The Australia football team has become the first to speak out against Qatar’s human rights record ahead of playing in the World Cup this winter.
16 Socceroos players are involved in the video, reading out a collective statement which denounces Qatar’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people and migrant workers.
The message acknowledges improvements to working conditions and pay have been made in Qatar, but calls for further measures to be brought in.
The players said: ‘There are universal values that should define football values such as respect, dignity, trust, and courage. When we represent our nation, we aspire to embody these values.
‘Over the last two years, we have been on a journey to understand and learn more about the situation in Qatar.